James Franco 'really hurt' by harassment allegations

James Franco's friends have claimed he has been "really hurt" by the sexual harassment claims made against him.

James Franco has been "really hurt" by the sexual harassment claims made against him.

James Franco

The 39-year-old actor has been accused by a number of women of sexual misconduct, including two former acting students and 'Breakfast Club' actress Ally Sheedy, and his friends have now expressed their concerns about the star - who has denied all claims made against him - as the scandal falls in the middle of awards season.

A longtime friend of 'The Disaster Artist' actor told E! News: "He has gone to great lengths to be more self-reflective and self-aware and accountable. He has taken responsibility for his life and his actions. He is really hurt because he didn't know that we would be in a place where giving someone a voice would be giving someone a license to speak without any accountability."

It comes after the star was the subject of several "#MeToo" tweets during the Golden Globes last weekend, where he picked up the award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance in 'The Disaster Artist'.

During the ceremony Ally Sheedy linked James to the #MeToo campaign in tweets that have since been deleted.

She wrote: "Why is James Franco allowed in? Said too much." And another which read: "James Franco just won. Please never ever ask me why I left the film/tv business."

After the event, James spoke about the tweets, where he denied any claims of sexual harassment made against him.

He said: "I haven't read them. I've heard about them. I have no idea what I did to Ally Sheedy. I had nothing but a great time with her. I have total respect for her.

"I was so excited to win, but being in the room that night was powerful. I support change.

"In my life, I pride myself in taking responsibility for things I've done. I have to do that to maintain my well-being. I do it whenever something needs to be changed ... I completely support people coming out and being able to have a voice because they haven't had a voice for so long. I don't want to shut them down in any way. It's a good thing I support.

If I have done something wrong, I will fix it - I have to. That's how that works. I don't know what else to do.

"The point is to listen. I am here to listen and learn and change perspective where it's off. I'm completely willing and want to."